Union Names Vartughian Assistant
12/17/2009 7:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
Dec. 17, 2009
PHILADELPHIA - University of Maryland assistant men's soccer coach Rob Vartughian has been named assistant coach/goalkeeper coordinator for the Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer, the club announced this week.
Vartughian, who has spent the last seven seasons as an assistant for Maryland head coach Sasho Cirovski, will assist Union Team Manager Peter Nowak as Philadelphia embarks on its inaugural season with the MLS.
"I feel blessed to have been a part of the best college soccer program in the country for the last seven years," Vartughian said. "Maryland has provided me with some of the greatest moments and achievements of my career and I'm forever grateful to Sasho for giving me the opportunity to join him and being both a mentor and a friend.
"The players, both past and present, as well as my colleagues at this University have made this such an incredible experience for me. I wish the Athletic Department all the best and look forward to following the Terps."
In his seven seasons at Maryland, Vartughian has known nothing but success with NCAA appearances in each of his seven seasons, including four College Cups and two national championships. In addition, Vartughian has aided the Terps to pair of ACC Championships and a staggering 120-33-13 record as an assistant. In 2008, Maryland became the winningest team in Maryland men's soccer history with 23 victories while also securing a program-best 15 shutouts and 16-game winning streak.
During his tenure with the Terps, Vartughian guided the progression of standout goalkeepers Zac MacMath and Chris Seitz. MacMath finished the 2008 campaign as the NCAA leader in goals-against average with 0.44, establishing a new school record in that category. He was named a First Team All-ACC and an NSCAA All-American selection this season. In 2006, Seitz was ACC Defensive Player of the Year, NSCAA All-America and Soccer America MVP before becoming the fourth overall selection in the MLS SuperDraft by Real Salt Lake. Seitz, who became the first player to be traded into the Philadelphia organization late November, has been a mainstay in the U.S. National team pool and was a member of the 2008 Olympic team.
"This is another bittersweet day for me and the Maryland Soccer family," Cirovski said. "Just as with Russell, I am very sad to see Rob go, but I am extremely happy for him to get this great new opportunity with the Philadelphia Union. Rob has provided tremendous loyal service for the past seven years and has been instrumental in the most successful run in Maryland soccer history. He has won two ACC and two NCAA titles as well as helping mentor and develop some of our country's finest young goalkeepers.
"He has earned the respect of our players, alumni and fans and will always be a huge part of the Maryland Soccer. I will surely miss him. Both personally, and on behalf of the entire Maryland Soccer family, I want to thank Rob for all of his years of service and wish him the best with Philadelphia. The Union is extremely fortunate to have Rob on their sideline."
Philadelphia Union's first-ever First Kick will take place March 25, 2010 vs. FC Sounders at Seattle's Qwest Field. The club's home opener will be April 10, 2010 against D.C. United at Lincoln Financial Field.
